We could be in for a bit of a surprise this season if last nights display is anything to go back.
The first half in particular was a joy to watch as The Reds hammered a full-strength Wigan team.
New signing from Doncaster Michael McIndoe scored his second successive home friendly goal with an absolute stunning 35yard free kick that arrowed past Wigan's England hopeful Chris Kirkland.
And it could have been more as McIndoe surged down the left flank whilst Brian Howard roared forward from the centre. His sidekick, new signing Sam Togwell could well be the new “Burns” if not better as his tigerish tackling showed a player that won't be afraid to get stuck in this season. McPhail beware!
Whilst at the back skipper Paul Reid and wearing some stylish white boots, Antony Kay gave Henri Camara and Emile Heskey no room at all.
In fact it was only after the influx of substitutions in the second half that Wigan started to impose themselves, yet The Reds still could have doubled their lead with, Nathan Jarman, Michael Coulson and McIndoe all going close.
Wigan's skill did show though as one of only two substitutes that Wigan made, David Connelly curled home a great shot from the end of the area on 70 minutes. And then in the dying minutes, Camara flung himself at a David Wright cross and headed past Colgan.
The only downsides from the match was another ineffective display on the right from Martin Devaney who failed to beat his man with a run or cross all the game and it is still apparent that Ritchie needs to bring in another striker to compete with Richards and Hayes whilst Nardiello is out.
Overall though if The Reds perform when it really matters on Saturday against Cardiff like they did last night, this season might not be as disappointing as a lot of people are predicting!
BARNSLEY: Colgan, Hassell (Austin 64), Heckingbottom (Williams 74), Reid (Atkinson 68), Togwell (Tonge 73), Hayes (Jarman 74), McIndoe, Howard (Coulson 74), Kay, Richards (Wright 73), Devaney (McParland 74).
Subs: Letheren.
WIGAN ATHLETIC: Kirkland, Wright, Baines, Jackson (Scharner 55), Landzaat, De Zeeuw, Camara, Kavanagh, Heskey, McCulloch (Connolly 55), Johansson.
Subs: Pollitt, Owens, Moore.
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